Share this article

Mr Thompson has reported the find and it is now going through the treasure hunting process, which he hopes could end in him receiving a windfall.

He has consulted with auctioneers who have suggested it could be worth anywhere between £20,000 ($25,000) and £70,000 ($87,000).

Mr Thompson said: 'I had been out metal detecting with a group for about 20 minutes when I heard the signal.

'I was really excited when I saw that it was gold, but I didn't realise at that point just how significant it might be.

Amateur treasure hunter Mark Thompson uncovered the ring in the dirt (left) using a metal detector. It is believed the ring, which is engraved with an infant Christ on one side and a female saint on the other, dates from the 14th century.

A report into the ring by Dot Boughton, a regional finds liaison officer, compares the stone with one used on the tomb of former Archbishop of Canterbury William Wytlesey, who died in 1374

The ring was discovered covered in dirt in Nottinghamshire's Sherwood Forest, most well known for the legend of Robin Hood - the outlaw who robbed the rich to give to the poor

'I called my friend who came down to take a look and help see whether there was anything else related nearby.

'It's the find of a lifetime - I never expected to unearth anything like that. I'm still in shock when I think about it - it was such an exhilarating moment.

'If it does prove to be as valuable as we think it might be, it would completely change my life.

Mark Thompson, 34, who makes his living spray-painting fork lift trucks, found the ring after just 20 minutes in the forest

'I'm renting at the moment and I'd love to be able to buy a house or move into somewhere more comfortable.'

Dot Boughton, a regional finds liaison officer, confirmed that the ring is undergoing tests at the British Museum and the case has been referred to the coroner so it can be formally classified as treasure.

It is believed the ring, which is engraved with an infant Christ on one side and a female saint on the other, dates from the 14th century.

Ms Boughton's report into the ring compares the stone with one used on the tomb of former Archbishop of Canterbury William Wytlesey, who died in 1374.

Mr Thompson is now waiting for the coroner to set a date for an inquest to confirm the ring is treasure.

If it is, it will be valued by experts and offered to museums to purchase. Mr Thompson will receive the reward as the finder.

Another amateur treasure hunter, who unearthed a precious Tudor ring in North Yorkshire, recently received a five-figure sum for his find.

The 15th century ring was 80 per cent gold, containing a ruby and an emerald.

Lee Rossiter found the Green Hammerton Ring in North Yorkshire, using a cheap metal detector he had bought on eBay.

WHO WAS ROBIN HOOD?

The legend of Robin Hood is believed to date back to the reign of King John in the 13th century.

He was one of three prominent outlaws, including Fulk Fitzwarin and Eustace the Monk, but while the latter two were clearly identified historical figures, it is unclear who exactly Robin Hood was.

Forests during this time were covered by forest law and were protected as private places for the king, where he could hunt.

An illustration showing Robin Hood and his Merry Men practicing with their longbows

Many fugitives used these areas, however, to hide out and both Sherwood and Barnsdale Forest feature heavily in the legends.

Robin Hood was first referred to in the late 14th century and tales throughout the 15th century including such tales as Robin Hood and the Monk, and Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne.

During this time, there are also accounts of people taking on the name Robin Hood, or Robehod, to imitate the original, which is why there is some confusion over his true identity.

The tales place Robin Hood in the north, but refer to both Barnsdale and Sherwood.

Experts believe the legend may have derived from two separate sources, and could have referred to two separate ‘Robin Hoods’.

An epitaph recorded in 1702 claims Robin Hood was buried in Kirklees Priory, in West Yorkshire, where the legend claims he was killed, supposedly by the Sheriff of Nottingham, and dates to 1247.